questions & answers

Question: How long is a landlord's notice of intent to enter good for? My landlord routinely gives notice of intent to enter by saying that they will be starting inspections on a certain date for the entire apartment complex, but it may take weeks for them to enter any given apartment. Is this legal behavior, or must they be more specific? It's getting annoying not knowing whether or not they came, or thinking they already have and then someone barges in weeks later.

Answer: This is for informational purposes only, you may want to consult the advice of an attorney. Under A.R.S. 33-1343. Access: A. The tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord to enter into the dwelling unit in order to inspect the premises, make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workmen or contractors. B. If the tenant notifies the landlord of a service request or a request for maintenance as prescribed in section 33-1341, paragraph 8, the notice from the tenant constitutes permission from the tenant for the landlord to enter the dwelling unit pursuant to subsection D of this section. for the sole purpose of acting on the service or maintenance request and the tenant waives receipt of any separate or additional access notice that may be required pursuant to subsection D of this section. C. The landlord may enter the dwelling unit without consent of the tenant in case of emergency. D. The landlord shall not abuse the right to access or use it to harass the tenant. Except in case of emergency or if it is impracticable to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant at least two days' notice of the landlord's intent to enter and enter only at reasonable times. E. The landlord has no other right of access except by court order and as permitted by sections 33-1369 and 33-1370, or if the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises. In other words, the landlord is only required by law to give you at least two days notice as long as there is no emergency. Other than that, their entry must only be "reasonable." You might argue that this method of entry is not reasonable.